Vietnam team returns to Hanoi, awaits rematch with Malaysia

Coach Kim Sang Sik and his squad arrived back in Hanoi on the afternoon of August 17 following their visit to Malaysia, and are now gearing up for the return leg of the ASEAN Championship 2026 semifinal at My Dinh Stadium.

The Vietnam national team holds a significant advantage after a 2-0 victory in the first leg. During the match in Kuala Lumpur, Nguyen Xuan Son opened the scoring late in the first half after receiving a precise cross from a teammate. In the second half, following a combination play between Quang Hai and Dinh Bac, Faris awkwardly turned the ball into his own net, doubling Vietnam's lead.

Despite the favorable result, coach Kim Sang Sik has urged his players to maintain focus. The South Korean tactician emphasized that Vietnam has only completed half the task and needs to thoroughly analyze the first leg to address shortcomings ahead of the rematch.

After a period of continuous matches and travel, the Vietnam team will spend the entire day of August 17 resting, relaxing, and recovering their physical condition.

According to the schedule, the entire squad will have a training session at My Dinh Stadium on the afternoon of August 18. This will be the only training session for coach Kim Sang Sik and his players before the second leg semifinal. The coaching staff will assess the players' conditions and finalize tactical plans for the rematch against Malaysia.

Malaysia has a similar schedule, departing for Hanoi about 15 minutes earlier than the Vietnam team. After losing 0-2 at home, they are forced to play attacking football in the return leg if they hope to overturn the deficit.

Meanwhile, with a two-goal advantage, the Vietnam team aims to control the game well, avoid unnecessary mistakes, and complete the task of securing a spot in the final.

The second leg semifinal between Vietnam and Malaysia will take place at 8:00 PM on August 19 at My Dinh Stadium.